Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles sat down with a group of students on Thursday at HISD’s Nat. Q. Henderson Elementary School for a surprise chat about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.  

In partnership with nonprofit Girls Inc. and Mattress Firm, Biles, met with a dozen girls, who are all enrolled in Girls Inc.’s afterschool program, to discuss how exercise, diet and sleep have contributed to her success. This includes her focus on the holistic health triangle: physical, nutritional and emotional.  

“Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always maintained a healthy diet, good sleep and exercise,” Biles, the most decorated gymnast in world championship history, said. “Now at 23-years-old I still have that same platform, and that is why I am able to go out there and compete and represent the United States.” 

After a Q&A, Biles led the girls through a stretch routine, focusing on the arms, legs and neck, all the while discussing the importance of stretching on daily basis. The 2019 All-Around World Champion even taught the group a bedtime stretch that they can incorporate into their daily routine.  

“It was very exciting to meet Simone Biles because she’s a good gymnast and she’s very flexible,” Fourth-grader Kamari Gilbert said. “It made me feel proud to meet her today.”